A new University of Texas/Texas Politics Project poll shows that a strong majority of Texas voters support legal marijuana in some form, with more than half favoring full recreational legalization.
According to the poll, 51% of Texas voters say marijuana possession should be legal for recreational use—35% for small amounts and 16% for any amount. Another 33% support legalization for medicinal use only, while just 15% believe marijuana should be fully illegal. Even among Republican voters, only 21% back a total ban, with 40% supporting some level of recreational use.
In a separate question, 43% of voters said Texas should make its marijuana laws less strict, compared to 30% who want tougher laws and 18% who prefer no change. That includes 61% of Democrats and nearly one-third of Republicans who support loosening restrictions.
These findings stand in contrast to a proposal being considered by state lawmakers that would outlaw all consumable hemp-based THC products. A full 50% of voters oppose the plan, while just 34% support it. Republican voters are evenly split on the issue, with 46% in favor and 42% opposed. Democratic voters strongly oppose the ban by a margin of 63% to 23%.
The proposed crackdown, backed by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, targets a fast-growing market of THC products that emerged after Texas legalized hemp in 2019. Patrick has even threatened a special session if the House fails to pass stricter regulations.
